Vehicle: 2008 Buick Allure Super
Price as tested: CDN$38765

Performance: Unlike the standard Allure, the Super is powered by an OHV 16-valve 5.3 liter V8. This engine never fails to impress during take-off with its 323 lb/ft of torque. Drop the throttle and the Allure takes off with authority. When its time to push it through the rev range, 300 ponies are there when your right foot is ready. As with most American V8, throttle response is quick and brisk with a bit of over-sensitivity during initial throttle tip-in. While a sensitive throttle might be good for driving enthuisast, its target audience would feel jerky during launch. The only gearbox that matched with the Super is GM’s typical smooth shifting 4-speed automatic. The shifts are gear and linear with the ratios set for highway cruising. However, it would be much better if GM is willing to invest a 5 or 6-speed for the Super given the price its charging.

Handling: When you put 300 horses through the front wheels, regardless of how stiff the chassis and well-damped the suspension, disaster is bound the happen. The same goes for the Super. During a traffic light launch, you have to hold the steering wheel tight in order not to let the wheels pull to one side. This Allure got “super” torque steer whenever a driver drops the anchor, the same goes for the “super” understeer when pushed through corners.

As one expects from a Buick, both the springs and suspension are soft. I meant really soft. It might be a drawback for enthuisast might be a selling point for its target audience. The level of softness and floatiness created a sense of serena and flying carpet ride that feel very much like a Lexus. Thanks to GM’s QuietTuning, Allure feels as quiet as any Lexus or Cadillac inside. As for steering feel, you pretty much getting none.

Brakes: With 4-wheel discs and standard ABS, Super got decent pedal feel and modulation. Its a pleasant surprise consider GM’s previous numb and dead pedals.

Interior: Inside the Allure, you feel like sitting on top instead of inside the car. The leather seats are flat and side supports are lacking. As with all Buick sedans, interior ergonomics is a disaster. The switches for the stereo and auto climate control are tiny, they are also put together in a cramped layout. This is definitely won’t helped for its elder target audience.

Conclusion: The Super is a welcome addition to popular Allure’s product range. However, if I have to drop a dough onto Allure. I would place it on the lesser CXS. This mid-level CXS not only got the equally potent 3.6 liter DOHC V6 derived from Cadillac, it has as much luxurious and comfort as a Super, by saving a couple of grand in the bank.

OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2008 Buick Allure
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Performance: 4/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 2/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 2/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 3.5/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 4/5
Value-for-money: 3/5

Overall rating: 2.75/5